The Broncos have won the AFC West every year since John Elway took over the front office in 2011. / Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports

by Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

by Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos have locked up their most famous front office employee for another four years.

The team announced Wednesday it has extended John Elway's contract through the 2017 season and added general manager to his title of executive vice president of football operations.

"Our organization is extremely pleased with the work John Elway has done in his three years since rejoining the Broncos," Broncos president Joe Ellis said in a statement issued by the team.

"He has demonstrated great vision and leadership in his role, assembling a championship-caliber team and positioning it for sustained success. We are very confident in the direction of the Broncos with John Elway leading our football operations."

The Broncos reached the Super Bowl this past season for the first time since Elway won two in a row as a player after the 1997 and '98 seasons. They've won the AFC West and made the playoffs three straight years since Elway returned to take over the football operation before the 2011 season, when Tim Tebow was the team's top quarterback.

"I am grateful for the opportunity that I've been given with the Broncos," Elway said in a statement. "Our goal is to continue building on the culture of winning established by (owner and CEO) Pat Bowlen, and we remain relentlessly committed to delivering a World Championship to our fans."